McCarthy Stone Developments

[parkesquay]

Is there anybody using this site living in a McCarthy Stone development from whom I could get more details about MS apartments other than their(MS)web site. Or, perhaps, somebody who has a relative who has purchased one recently.
I guess that I am after more detailed practical aspects than the official blurb gives me, like real quality of life; true cost of living in one, etc.

Regards in advance

[frankief]

I do't live in a McCarthy & Stone property but I work in the building industry and have heard of them. They build only retirement properties and are probably the biggest company doing that in the UK. They have been about for many years and have a good reputation. They are not a fly by night outfit and the apartments will be well built and well insulated to latest Building Regs. Cost of living in one? Being apartments there will probably be annual service charge for maintainence of common areas, gardening and cleaning of stairs etc.

[parkesquay]

frankief,
Tthank you very much for taking the trouble to reply. Much appreciated. I do agree with your assesment of build quality having aready paid a visit, today, to a reasonably local Ms complex. I guess that I am after a little more of the type of feedback that comes from living in one.
Regards.

[droopdrawers]

I haven't lived in one of these properties but did consider doing so......and backed away!!

On our visit we were shown around by the sales lady. Walking along the corridor the smells from people cooking,smoking,and just old people smells were coming from under the doors.....I personally couldn't live there.

The service charges are quite high too though I can't remember how much.

We noticed some residents gathered in the beautiful day room for afternoon tea/morning coffee etc and some outing are organised/ What struck us most here was the residents were all dressed in their smart clothes just to come to the day room....a bit too organised for my liking.....but having said that you may well like to love that sort of life.

Good luck whatever you chose.

DD

[parkesquay]

DD Thanks very much for your input.
I know that the management fees are on the high side but on the other hand they do include water, home insurance etc.. That said I lean towards your assessment in general but having lived in a flat I guess that the environment could be similar.
I am sort of leaning toward the fact that they are better suited to a person living on their own. Still thinking things over but it could be a lot more expensive than living in my own property.